The Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) is bringing back Honor of Kings with a bang. As part of a three-year agreement, the title will return to the EWC this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring its biggest event yet with a staggering $3 million prize pool. This tournament not only showcases more participating teams than ever before, but also sets the stage for a thrilling continuation in 2026.
Top-tier teams from across the globe will compete, including representatives from the Kings Pro League (KPL), who dominated the inaugural event.
Tournament Schedule and Format
- Dates: July 15 – 26, 2025
- Total Teams: 18
Group Stage
- 16 teams
- Divided into 4 groups of 4
- Double-elimination bracket
- Group winners move to Playoffs
- Group runners-up go to Last Chance stage
- Matches are Best-of-3 (BO3)
Last Chance Stage
- 4 teams
- Single-elimination bracket
- Matches are Best-of-5 (BO5)
- Top 2 teams proceed to Playoffs
Playoffs (August 16)
- 8 teams total
- Qualified teams from Group Stage and Last Chance
- KPL and ACL champions directly enter here
- Single-elimination bracket
- Matches are Best-of-7 (BO7)
- Third-place match is Best-of-5 (BO5)
Prize Pool
- Total Prize Pool: $3,000,000
- MVP Bonus: $10,000
Qualifiers
Several regional tournaments and qualifiers are feeding into the EWC:
- Indonesia League Spring: Top 3 (ends June 1)
- Philippine League Spring: Top 3 (ends June 8)
- Malaysia League Spring: Top 3 (ends June 7)
- KPL: Top team (ended May 10)
- Wildcard Series: Top team (ended May 25)
- CHOKBR Fall: Top 2 (ends June 8)
- Major East/West: Top team from each (ended May 4)
- Major Last Call: Top team (ended May 5)
- Asian Champions League (ACL) – China: Champion qualifies (May 14-18)
- EWC Online Qualifier MENA: Top team qualifies (May 21 & 23)
2024 Recap: KPL Dream Team Dominance
The KPL Dream Team stole the spotlight in 2024 during the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason x Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Chinese powerhouse swept LGD Gaming 3-0 in the finals after an undefeated 5-0 run in Group B and a dominant playoff performance:
- Quarterfinals: Defeated Impunity 2-0
- Semifinals: Defeated All Gamers Global 3-0
- Grand Finals: Swept LGD Gaming 3-0
Their impeccable gameplay solidified their reputation as the team to beat. Get ready to watch a legendary summer showdown at the EWC 2025.
About the Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup is the premier global esports event featuring a cross-game club competition. It boasts the largest prize pool in esports history, attracting top-tier clubs and players from around the world. Returning to Riyadh in Summer 2025, the EWC continues to unite competitive gamers and fans under one massive spectacle.
To learn more about Esports World Cup, visit their official website. To keep updated on news and information, follow their social media: X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn.
